LANSING -- The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) today announced its grant program workshop schedule for Fiscal Year 2016 programs.

“We are very excited about the support we have received from Governor Rick Snyder, his administration and the legislature,” said MCACA Executive Director John Bracey. “The confidence they have shown in our agency allows us to ensure there is access to arts and cultural program in every corner of Michigan.

‘The organizations that compete for, and then receive these grants, are in turn able to ensure that families have opportunities to do things together, to learn about their heritage, to express themselves and think critically; in short to live a healthier, fun life,” said Bracey.

MCACA will conduct free informational workshops on grant guidelines and the application process for potential applicants throughout the state in March and April in anticipation of the June 1, 2015 deadline.

MCACA will be moving to a full year granting cycle for FY16, which hasn’t been possible since 2009. Workshop attendance is not required for grant applicants; however, updated guidelines and application process changes will be reviewed at each meeting, so attendance is encouraged. Pre-registration or RSVPs are not required.

Program for Operations and Project Support – Provides specific operational support to arts and cultural organizations only. Municipalities, schools and non-arts nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply in the Projects Support category. MCACA defines arts and cultural organizations as those organizations whose primary mission is to provide an experience, including a learning experience that is based in a specific arts or cultural discipline.

Capital Improvements – Provides funding assistance to Michigan nonprofit arts organizations and municipalities for the expansion, renovation or construction of cultural facilities; upgrade of equipment and furnishing to provide a competitive and up-to-date environment; equipment and instrument acquisitions that are integral to the implementation of events and services.

Arts in Education Residency – Provides funding assistance to K-12 educational institutions for arts education residencies designed to introduce or enhance student knowledge of and participation in a particular art form such as dance, theatre, music, creative writing, storytelling, visual arts (including video and graphic design), or traditional folk arts. Student experience is enriched by bringing a professional teaching artist into the educational setting for a designated amount of time.

Mini-grants – A partnership between the MCACA and 19 regional re-granting agencies throughout the state. There are two components of the Mini-grant program, Arts Projects and Professional Development grants. These are special opportunities to address local arts and cultural needs as well as increase public access to arts and culture.

New Leaders – Provides funding assistance to support projects and/or collaborations focusing on the engagement, retention and mentoring of young people in Michigan.

Michigan nonprofit organizations, schools and municipalities are eligible to apply for projects that would take place between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016. Information about specific grant programs as well as the guidelines is available on the web at www.michiganbusiness.org/arts.

MCACA, a part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, serves to encourage, initiate and facilitate an enriched artistic, cultural and creative environment in Michigan. For more on its initiatives and programs, visit www.michiganbusiness.org/arts.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. Currently, there are more than 90,000 jobs listed on Pure Michigan Talent Connect, visit www.mitalent.org.